065 – Go Your Own Way: Balancing Conformity and Creativity

It may seem counter-intuitive in a society that bombards us with cliche sayings like, “Dance to the beat of your own drummer” and “Take the road less traveled,” to feel compelled to conform to an idea of “normal.” But that’s what happens for many people in the United States, at least.

It’s in a schizophrenic culture that we feel we must follow specific instructions or “shoulds” in order to be accepted or successful and then, at the same time, be told to be unique and “authentic” in order to stand out from the competition. And, after doing our best to follow both platitudes, we must be prepared for extreme judgment and ridicule. Bleck.

You will never be at a loss for someone else’s opinion on how you should do things, the way you should act, or how you should behave… So, forget about it! And go your own way – for real!

There is much to be said about learning from other’s experience and tried-and-true methods, but at some point, someone must forge a different path in order for innovation to take place. It might as well be you!

If something doesn’t resonate with you, don’t do it. If you feel like a traditional way of doing things doesn’t fit your vision, do it differently. Blaze your own trail. Make your own way. Maybe you’ll be judged, maybe not. The point is, you don’t have time to get caught up in someone else’s idea of what’s right for you!